Lion - Availability: We had two big males and a couple of lesser males working the area, but just ran out of time, getting them on baits. Needed 21 days instead of 14 days for lion.

Game
Condition Comments:

The grass was very high this early in the season, making the hunting for Cape buffalo in the area quite difficult. There are also a good number of Cape buffalo in the area and also quite a few elephants with a couple of pretty good bulls. (elephant hunting will re-open in Zambia in 2011). Also saw a fair number of kudu and a few duiker and grysbok. Lots of guinea fowl, franklins and a few ducks and geese. May is a good time to hunt the cats.

SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality
of Outfit:

Excellent

Guide/PH
Ability:

Excellent

Condition
of Camp:

Excellent

Condition
of Equipment:

Excellent

Quality
of Food:

Excellent

Trophy
Care:

Excellent

Name
of Airline:

Delta and South African Airlines

Airline
Service:

N/A

Airline
Comments:

Delta Airlines from Denver to Atlanta to Johannesburg was excellent. South Africa Air used internally and to Lusaka. They lost PH's guns between E. London and South Africa and Johannesburg. Guns went to Nairobi, Kenya, somehow. A lot of hassle, stress and lost time to get them returned and transported to Zambia. Then our charter cost of $1,000 to get them to camp, on the Luangwa River.

COSTS

Hunting
Fees:

Including concession fee of $6,000.

Amount:

$22950

Trophy Fees:

9 animals.

Amount:

$15900

Permits/Licenses:

9 animals.

Amount:

$1295

Commercial
Airfares:

Delta Business Class and SAA First Class.

Amount:

$11078

Charter Airfares:

Amount:

$4800

Other Costs:

Dip and pack $1,500, observer 14 days $1,750, ammo $200, plus tips.

Amount:

$3450

Total:

$0

SUMMARY
REMARKS

Problems
of Hunt:

None.

Highlights
of Hunt:

Hunting a game-rich, wild area with top notch professional hunters, camp, staff and food. Getting my priority animals (leopard, hippo and croc) early in the hunt, plus bonus animals, thus, being able to spend some time hunting lion, even though that time was too short.

Equipment
Recommendations:

Malaria preventative (Malarone), light gloves, good binocs.

Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend?

yes

Why?

The hunting companies produced what they promised and then some. A relaxed camp and good companions.

HUNTER
INFORMATION

Hunter
Name:

Sandi Fruchey (Observer Husband, Dick Fr

Contact
Information:

PO Box 311, Riverton, WY 82501

Hunting Experience:

Rather extensive - Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Argentina, Scotland, England and US (many).

Physical Condition:

Fair.

IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt)

Notified Outfitter?

Notified Personal Guide?

Notified Booking Agent?

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

I bought this hunt for the lion only, it was offered as a discount hunt. The lion that I took fed on the first evening. He is a nice big male with a decent mane. Another nice male was seen by one of the PHs in camp. October is a hot time in the Luangwa Valley, just over 100F each day. The hunt was excellent, very remote and wild. Everything as advertised.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

The hippos, crocodiles, impala and puku were very abundant. The hippos and crocodiles have to be looked over very carefully, but there are some very good ones available if one spends the time. The impala and puku are average in horn length. We saw two herds of Cookson's wildebeest that numbered between 15 and 20 animals each. We tried tracking and several stalks, but the wind kept changing and the wildebeest kept running through the mopane scrub. We did see fleeting glimpses of two good bulls. We baited for hyena, but drew lions instead. There are lots of lions and leopards in this concession. The common waterbuck here is prevalent, but we never saw a bull over 23-24 inches. We only saw two grysbok, but I suspect the tall grass had more to do with it than availability of game. We saw a few warthogs, 4-5 50 plus inch kudu, a few duiker and loads of baboons. Not available to hunt but always nice to see were plenty of elephants.

SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality
of Outfit:

Excellent

Guide/PH
Ability:

Excellent

Condition
of Camp:

Excellent

Condition
of Equipment:

Excellent

Quality
of Food:

Excellent

Trophy
Care:

Excellent

Name
of Airline:

Air France, Delta and South African Airways

Airline
Service:

Good

Airline
Comments:

We flew to Johannesburg through Paris to use some airline miles. We did encounter a problem in Paris on our flight to Johannesburg. In Los Angeles we checked our luggage through to Johannesburg. We declared our ammunition in Los Angeles and the Air France representatives inspected it. It was packed in plastic boxes used for reloaded ammunition and these were placed in a locked ammunition can. We packed ammunition in two bags. The ammunition weighed less than 5 kilos in each bag. As we were getting ready to board the plane in Paris for the second leg of our journey, Air France told us we could not board because our ammunition was not packed correctly. They also pulled two other American hunters aside and told them the same thing. They held the plane for 45 minutes while we explained how it was packed. Finally, with eight different representatives on phones and radios, we received the okay to board. They assured us that all of our bags were on the plane. When we arrived in Johannesburg, one of our bags with the ammunition was missing. It was forwarded on to our final destination,Lusaka, the following day. We were never told what the problem was, but it all worked out in the end.

COSTS

Hunting
Fees:

Amount:

$0

Trophy Fees:

Amount:

$0

Permits/Licenses:

Amount:

$0

Commercial
Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Charter Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Other Costs:

Amount:

$0

Total:

$0

SUMMARY
REMARKS

Problems
of Hunt:

Highlights
of Hunt:

My family and I had the time of our life. My two children, ages 12 and 14, experienced more than just the hunting. They had the chance to see children in a small village in our hunting concession and learn about their lifestyle, school and culture. We took four duffel bags full of school supplies, mosquito nets, first aid supplies, school uniforms and various other sundries to donate to the village. It was an experience none of us will soon forget. My wife and I have been to Africa 4 times, and while each was special, this trip was the best in many ways. This is definitely the "real" Africa. Sleeping in a grass thatch chalet on the edge of the Luangwa River. No fence around the hunting camp, and the feeling a lion or elephant could walk right through at any moment. The hunting was mostly spot and stalk with the exception of tracking buffalo and wildebeest. I did not measure anything, but I took a very good buffalo after tracking a group of four bulls. The hippo and crocodile were above average. The puku, bushbuck and impala were old, thick horned rams, all past their prime and the type of animals I prefer to take.

Equipment
Recommendations:

Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend?

Yes

Why?

This is a great place for true African adventure. The quality of the plains game is generally better on game ranches in SA, ZIM and NAM, but there is no comparison to the remoteness and wilderness (wildness) you experience here. It is also one of the few places to hunt Cookson's wildebeest and puku, which you will not find further south. Cat hunters should have excellent results based on what we saw, and we were not hunting cats. The camp is well run, with a great staff. The meals, mostly based on wild game, were excellent and plentiful. Finally, the PH, Terry Van Rooyen, was excellent with my kids and varied the schedule to show them new experiences. No two days were alike.

Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Alaska (unguided) and Western US.

Physical Condition:

I am in fair shape and able to hunt the Rockies and Sierras on foot/backpack. For a hunt like this, just being able to walk for 4 or 5 hours at a slow pace on flat country is all that is really needed. Some crawling is required for the way we hunted crocodile and wildebeest. Most people can do this hunt.

IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt)

Notified Outfitter?

Notified Personal Guide?

Notified Booking Agent?

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

If you like to camp when you hunt, this is five star camping, complete with a staff of eighteen to take care of every detail. The accommodations are grass thatch, complete with geckos and tree frogs. The camp is right on the river so you hear hippos, elephants, lions and hyenas most nights. The service, from setting up the gravity powered hot showers to preparation of meals, is excellent. The staff makes you feel welcome. Evenings are spent at the outdoor dining room and then around the campfire, just feet from the river. At breakfast and lunch, you can watch bushbuck, puku, elephant and scores of different birds work their way along the opposite bank of the river. The talents of PH Terry Van Rooyen went beyond hunting. He had a great sense of humor and interacted very well with the kids. My son is still trying to make the mouse trap Terry showed him how to make. We will definitely be back.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

We traveled to three different game management areas in order to secure the trophies that we were after. Our two Professional Hunters accompanied us to each of these three areas, thereby requiring a twin-engine Beach Baron to haul us and our equipment. As a result, our charter costs alone came to $8,200.

For many years hunters have been able to fly to Bangweulu and take both the tsessebe and black lechwe without spending a night there. In our case we got there mid-morning and had enough time to fly to Chanjuzi (North Luangwa Valley) in time for dinner. On our first Zambia safari, we flew down and back in one day, and each of us took nice Kafue Flats red lechwe.

While our attached hunt report indicates that the hunting fees amounted to $60,800 each, that figure includes the one day at Bangweulu, which was priced at $18,000 and included trophy fees for two tsessebe ($3,250 each) and two black lechwe ($5,000 each), so the hunting fee was essentially $1,500.

Evidence of poaching is rampant throughout the country.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

This was an excellent outfit and an excellent hunt. An early season buffalo hunt in the long grass. Lots of buffalo and lots of fun.

SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality
of Outfit:

Excellent

Guide/PH
Ability:

Excellent

Condition
of Camp:

Good

Condition
of Equipment:

Excellent

Quality
of Food:

Good

Trophy
Care:

Excellent

Name
of Airline:

South African Airlines

Airline
Service:

Excellent

Airline
Comments:

We flew SA from Joberg as I was there on another hunt, Delta Joburg to Atlanta Houston all good.

COSTS

Hunting
Fees:

Amount:

$13500

Trophy Fees:

Amount:

$0

Permits/Licenses:

Amount:

$0

Commercial
Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Charter Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Other Costs:

Amount:

$0

Total:

$0

SUMMARY
REMARKS

Problems
of Hunt:

We had no problems, other than a few flat tires.

Highlights
of Hunt:

Buffalo at 10 yard in heavy cover. Getting in the middle of the herd, when they wind you and really take off. Taking both of my buff at under 25 yards, and of course the second subspecies of bushbuck taken, rare in this area.

Equipment
Recommendations:

Knee pad and gloves, a lot of crawling. Very few bugs this time of year.

Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend?

Yes

Why?

I had a great time on my 5th African safari. It lacked nothing and provided experiences beyond my expectations. The PH's were very professional and great to share camp with. Boy did we laugh a lot. Thanks AB

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

This was a great time with a great outfit, who had great amount of buffalo and leopard and lion and a lot of plains game, I don't hunt cats but if I did I'd be coming here. As hunter left and another nearby camp filled there were 6 big tom leopards on bait, I hear every filled out. Saw several lion and many elephant as well. Big hippo and crocs if that's your thing. You won't be disappointed with this outfitter and his staff.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

Best sitatunga hunting in Africa: 20 hunters, two years, 100 percent took sitatunga home. Saw roan every day. Two herds sable, 30 plus each herd. Thousands of puku. Saw eland every other day. Saw bushpig in daylight, three times. Hundreds of warthog. A few good reedbuck. Bush duiker are medium brown, white markings.

SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality
of Outfit:

Excellent

Guide/PH
Ability:

Excellent

Condition
of Camp:

Excellent

Condition
of Equipment:

Excellent

Quality
of Food:

Excellent

Trophy
Care:

Excellent

Name
of Airline:

Delta

Airline
Service:

Excellent

Airline
Comments:

Delta was excellent to JNB. SAA Airbus to Lusaka was cramped, service 50-50. Skip the JNB agent. Pay Delta for excess value insurance, get CAGPT sticker.

Bushbuck, Chobe - Availability: You have to put ammo in your gun before you shoot.

Hyena - Availability:

Game
Condition Comments:

Game was in great shape. Grass was very high due to late rains, hard for buffalo hunt.

SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality
of Outfit:

Excellent

Guide/PH
Ability:

Excellent

Condition
of Camp:

Excellent

Condition
of Equipment:

Excellent

Quality
of Food:

Excellent

Trophy
Care:

Excellent

Name
of Airline:

South African Airlines.

Airline
Service:

Good

Airline
Comments:

COSTS

Hunting
Fees:

Average for a 14-day hunt.

Amount:

$0

Trophy Fees:

Amount:

$0

Permits/Licenses:

Amount:

$0

Commercial
Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Charter Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Other Costs:

Amount:

$0

Total:

$0

SUMMARY
REMARKS

Problems
of Hunt:

Area has too much game, my hunt was done in 4-5 days.

Highlights
of Hunt:

Shooting my first Cape buffalo at ten yards and shooting a large male leopard my first hour in the blind in broad daylight. Watching the trackers follow my wildebeest for a total of six hours on dry grass covered ground with no blood trail.

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

This hunt was recomended to me by Tom Hunt of HUNT THE WORLD TRAVEL AND HUNTING. I have booked many hunts with Tom and all have been great and gone off without a hitch. Tom takes care of every detail and his personal touch is what makes the difference between a good trip and a great one.You can call him any time day or night if any problem should arise and he will sort it out. Belive me, if you try that with any of the big outfits it won't happen-I tried it before. My wife even had his home and cell# should she need it.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

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The new 340 airbus has very, very cramped seats in coach class. I am only five foot nine inches, 175 pounds and I was very uncomfortable. Anyone larger should consider business or first class. Service was good, as usual.

COSTS

Hunting
Fees:

Amount:

$0

Trophy Fees:

Amount:

$0

Permits/Licenses:

Amount:

$0

Commercial
Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Charter Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Other Costs:

Amount:

$0

Total:

$0

SUMMARY
REMARKS

Problems
of Hunt:

Tall, tall grass. I was first hunter of the season, too early, but that was all my schedule would allow. This area is located in very northwest Zambia, just west of DR of Congo and east of Angola. It is a two day trip by vehicle. You may want to consider chartering aircraft of the ranch owner.

Highlights
of Hunt:

Eland is reported to be the fifth largest ever shot in Zambia. The sable have the markings of the Angolan sable. A friend of mine shot one 48 inches in 2001 at this place.

Equipment
Recommendations:

Usual african hunting kit.

Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend?

Yes

Why?

This is definitely a fair chase hunt. It appears there seems to be an issue of calling this a "ranch hunt" or a "game perserve hunt" due to connotations that it is a fenced or pen hunt. Definitely not the case. The ranch owner, Peter Fisher, has a good sense of local tribal politics and gets along well with the locals. He also has a vigilant anti-poaching program, employing the locals as game guards. As such, poaching is non-existent. The fencing around the ranch prevents lions from wandering in from Angola, as much as preventing poaching. The grass was very high, and I wouldn't go until after July 1 when some of the grass has been burned off. This is an excellent hunt, with plentiful trophy size animals. This should seriously be considered as an alternative to Zimbabwe ranch hunts in view of trophy quality and political stability. The downside is that it is very far from any major airport. Fisher also has a herd of Cape buffalo captured as juveniles near Kafue National Park. Four bulls, six cows, with six new calves this spring. It is the first certified disease free herd in Zambia. Bulls are not yet trophy size.

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

This is a very wet area of Zambia (60 inches annually). The grass was very high, making spotting game and shooting difficult. Wait until later in the year to hunt after some burning has been done. It is also 5,000 feet + in elevation, so it can be cool. Also, malaria is very prevalent, so make sure you take your malarone.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

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The new 340 airbus has very, very cramped seats in coach class. I am only 5'9 inches, 175 pounds, and I was very uncomfortable. Anyone larger should consider business or first class. Service was good, as usual.

COSTS

Hunting
Fees:

Amount:

$0

Trophy Fees:

Amount:

$0

Permits/Licenses:

Amount:

$0

Commercial
Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Charter Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Other Costs:

Amount:

$0

Total:

$0

SUMMARY
REMARKS

Problems
of Hunt:

Tall, tall grass. I was first hunter of the season, too early, but that was all my schedule would allow. This area is located in very northwest Zambia, just west of DR of Congo and east of Angola. It is a two day trip by vehicle. You may want to consider chartering aircraft of the ranch owner.

Highlights
of Hunt:

Eland is reported to be the fifth largest ever shot in Zambia. The sable have the markings of the Angolan sable. A friend of mine shot one 48 inches in 2001 at this place.

Equipment
Recommendations:

Usual african hunting kit.

Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend?

Yes

Why?

This is definitely a fair chase hunt. It appears there seems to be an issue of calling this a "ranch hunt" or a "game preserve hunt" due to connotations that it is a fenced or pen hunt. Definitely not the case. The ranch owner, Peter Fisher, has a good sense of local tribal politics and gets along well with the locals. He also has a vigilant anti-poaching program, employing the locals as game guards. As such, poaching is non-existent. The fencing around the ranch prevents lion from wandering in from Angola, as much as preventing poaching. The grass was very high, and I wouldn't go until July 1st when some of the grass has been burned off. This is an excellent hunt, with plentiful trophy size animals. This should seriously be considered as an alternative to Zimbabwe ranch hunts in view of trophy quality and political stability. The downside is that it is very far from any major airport. Fisher also has a herd of Cape buffalo captured as juveniles near Kafue National Park, four bulls, six cows, with six new calves this spring. It is the first certified disease free herd in Zambia. Bulls are not yet trophy size.

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

This is a very wet area of Zambia (60 inches annually). The grass was very high, making spotting game and shooting difficult. Wait until later in the year to hunt after some burning has been done. It is also 5,000 feet plus in elevation, so it can be cool. Also, malaria is very prevalent, so make sure you take your malarone.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide?

If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

The hunt was booked on a very short notice and Tom Hunt and John Du Plooy did an excellent job organizing this trip/hunt for me. I will go back hunting with John again in 2005. I can't think of anything which was not to my satisfaction.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

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kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

This was my fifth international hunt with John Barth of Adventure Unlimited. My father and brother have used John on three more international hunts. My previous experiences with other booking agents were unpleasant. John makes sure the trip from top to bottom is great. He called my outfitter, Muchinga Adventures to make sure I had arrived ok. What is so special about this? It was 3:00 am in the states. That is special. I have hunted Africa and South America with John and every outfitter he represents is exceptional.

This hunt came together in 10 days. I called John and told him that I would like a lion hunt. I was worried because it was so late but he looked any way and what he found was unbelievable. John and Laura Du Plooy of Muchinga Adventures in Lusaka Zambia. They had already completed five classical safaris in one area plus numerous sitatunga and plains game hunts in another area. They however had another concession in the Luangwa valley that had just been cleared by the courts two weeks earlier. In 10-day time my hunt was booked, flights made, a complete (luxurious) camp assembled, supplied and staffed. I was amazed at the proficiency of the Du Plooys. For a camp that hadn't been hunted in three years to be that good that quick speaks volumes about their business. Alister Norton tops the list of PH's I have had in Africa. He's knowledge of the area, animals and language is fantastic. Animals were everywhere. Buffalo (Big Buffalo) were seen daily (1500x), Zebra, Impala, Puku, warthogs, etc. by the hundreds. Every bait we put out had mature shootable males on them in 1-2 days. Lions were seen in daylight hours numerous times. This was all done in ¼ or less of the hunting area. All of my major animals were taken in the first six days. There was no sign of poaching this area. I, as a businessman, am amazed at how the Du Plooys manage and their business. They have shown me the real Africa. John Barth of Adventure Unlimited and John and Laura Du Plooy are the best that I have delt with. Thank you for all of your help. I will recommend these two to any one, anytime.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

The Kafue flats are amazing. Lechwe are everywhere. We looked at over 2,000 males until we selected my trophy. The Kitwe area had not been hunted in three years, and there was an overabundance of plains game.

SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality
of Outfit:

Excellent

Guide/PH
Ability:

Excellent

Condition
of Camp:

Good

Condition
of Equipment:

Good

Quality
of Food:

Fair

Trophy
Care:

Excellent

Name
of Airline:

South African Airways.

Airline
Service:

Excellent

Airline
Comments:

Checked my rifle in LAX, picked them up in Lusaka. No problems at all.

COSTS

Hunting
Fees:

Amount:

$9300

Trophy Fees:

Amount:

$0

Permits/Licenses:

Amount:

$150

Commercial
Airfares:

Used miles.

Amount:

$0

Charter Airfares:

Amount:

$0

Other Costs:

$650 packing, $1,000 tips.

Amount:

$1650

Total:

$0

SUMMARY
REMARKS

Problems
of Hunt:

Highlights
of Hunt:

44 inch sable and the amazing Kafue Flats. Mr. Mike Fisher, the owner of the farm, needed a few animals culled. The eland, kudu, impala, and bushbuck hunt was an added bonus. Thanks again, Mike!

Seeking any
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ADDITIONAL
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Laura DuPloy is a real professional. From the pick up at the airport, to the final clearance in Lusaka, all went extremely smoothly. The highlights of this hunt are too numerous to list, but special mention goes to the Norton family who took me in and made me feel part of the family. Alister, who is wise past his years and tells outrageous (and mostly true) campfire stories. Alister never losing sight of the monster lechwe, tracking him for three hours. Then, watching six trophy lechwe greyhounding through three feet of water, while the largest one didn't keep up. And of course, the 44 inch sable.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Muchinga Adventures Hunts

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Following our recent telephone conversation, I have attempted to jot down a few of the main highlights of my recent safari to Zambia.

I have hunted Zambia five times before and count this hunt on par with the best of them. We hunted the Chanjuzi area of the Upper Luangwa Valley with Mooching Adventures, owned and operated by John du plooy. There were four hunters on 7-day Cape buffalo safaris and myself on a 21-day lion and leopard hunt. We planned this hunt together for a long time and we are all old friends.

The buffalo hunters each had a designated 7-day hunt period and then they became observers for the other hunters. You can imagine what kind of harassment this was for the person who was hunting. Tongue in cheek criticisms and unhelpful advice was the rule rather than the exception. However, a great time was had by all and most of the harassment was soon repaid in kind. This hunt was as much fun as any hunt I have ever been on. We took five very nice buffalo with deep curls and good bosses, horn width ranged from 37 inches to 40 inches. No one needed more than four days to collect their buffalo as we were seeing large herds and smaller groups every day, and often several times a day. Herds of up to 600 head were encountered with smaller groups of 40 to 150 being a common occurrence. Hunters familiar with these latitudes realize that long grass is a fact of life in June; however, much of it is gone by mid July. In our case it was only a small nuisance.

We had three big leopards feeding by the third day and two lion baits had been hit by the seventh day. There were good tracks and mane hair on both lion baits. I took a good tom leopard on the third day at 5:05 pm and we were able to watch and also video two other tom leopards feeding on baits while we were hunting lions. The lion was taken at 9:00 am after we watched it catch a warthog and then sit arrogantly under a tree looking at us. By the way, we took the warthog, too, as it was a very good one and the lion had no further use for it. We did feel a little odd paying for the trophy fee for something we hadn't canned, but the poor beast was still alive when we arrived and would not have survived due to some nasty bites and claw marks and a nearly complete vasectomy performed by the lion.

We saw several hundred impala everyday as well as puku, warthog, bushbuck, and zebra. I personally saw four or five kudu bulls over 50" and several shootable Cookson's wildebeest and waterbuck. Duiker and grysbok were seen daily and there were many hippo and crocodile in the Luangwa River that flowed by camp. We also saw signs of roan and hartebeest in the hills. Elephants were seen almost everyday.

We took a large, old hyena as well as Cookson's wildebeest and a hippo with 24-inch tusks. The other hunters took several species of antelope and we all enjoyed the well-appointed camp that even boasts hot and cold running water in each chalet along with ensuite flush toilets, showers and electric lights. We had freezers with plenty of ice and elegant meals prepared by a professional chef, who was allegedly poached several years ago from a five-star hotel in Lusaka. The professional hunters, John DuPlooy and Alistair Norton, both born and raised in Zambia were proficient, very knowledgeable and genuinely likable. We tested their patience and their sense of humor in many ways and never found them lacking. The five of us agree that this was a wonderful hunt and highly recommended to any individual, couple or group. The airstrip is close by and there is a satellite phone with e-mail available in camp for client use.

Poaching seems to be under control. The trophy fee and meat sharing program, whereby 50% of everything taken is given to the local people via tribal chiefs, has apparently helped encourage locals to cooperate with hunters and discourage poaching. An SCI Chapter from Pennsylvania has donated a planeload of soccer equipment and other sports equipment to the local children in exchange for a donated hunt by Muchinga Adventures. John DuPlooy has donated school supplies to the local school and medical supplies to the clinic. John also plans to sponsor a maternity wing addition to the local clinic. Our group also donated to the local clothing fund and left Africa with the same old statement "we'll be back."

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I returned two weeks ago from a hunting trip to Zambia. I hunted with Johnny Duploy and had a great experience. Things are happening in Zambia, the economy appears to be humming right along as I saw houses being built, roads being re-done, business expanding

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